Tripod adapter plates for the Sony VCT-14...

D

Dave Draper

Well-known member
I'm looking to get an adapter plate for my Sony VCT-14, so that I can use it with my EX1. Currently, I only know of three of these so-called "adapter" plates...

1: Protech "ST-1" Press Shooter
2: TLS VCT14 Adapter
3: Production Gear Triad Camera Plate

I hear the Protech plate is flimsy and isn't desperately secure, but to me, it looks the more versatile of the bunch.

The TLS plate, is apparently, better built, but only has a "screw & pin" setup, which is useless if you're wanting to use it on the bottom of your Zacuto baseplate (for instance), as you would need both a 3/8" and 1/4" screw to properly secure the plate in place in order to truly prevent it from moving around.

I know nothing about the Production Gear "Triad" plate, but it looks similar to the TLS.

Does anyone know of any other "adapter" plates and / or would like to share your experiences with the plates you've tried or own?

DD.
 
Dave Draper said:
I hear the Protech plate is flimsy and isn't desperately secure, but to me, it looks the more versatile of the bunch.
Click to expand...

http://www.protechweb.jp/protech/products/tri_adp/st1/design.html

But looking at it, it only has a 1/4 scew with no pin set up . I doubt that one could even place a 3/8 pin inside the slot. Which like you said below is useless otherwise. And if you only use it with a camera, the chance of it moving is even higher without a pin.

Dave Draper said:
The TLS plate, is apparently, better built, but only has a "screw & pin" setup, which is useless if you're wanting to use it on the bottom of your Zacuto baseplate (for instance), as you would need both a 3/8" and 1/4" screw to properly secure the plate in place in order to truly prevent it from moving around.

DD.
Click to expand...


How about altering the TLS plate, just by drilling a bigger hole at the end of the slot to be able to place 3/8 screw. and then buy a rubber cap to close the hole after placing the 3/8 screw in.
 
DavidChia said:
How about altering the TLS plate, just by drilling a bigger hole at the end of the slot to be able to place 3/8 screw. and then buy a rubber cap to close the hole after placing the 3/8 screw in.
Click to expand...

Expensive mistake if anything goes wrong, though...

DD.
 
TLS VCT14-Adapter ...

TLS VCT14-Adapter ...

Dave Draper said:
I'm looking to get an adapter plate for my Sony VCT-14, so that I can use it with my EX1. Currently, I only know of three of these so-called "adapter" plates...

1: Protech "ST-1" Press Shooter
2: TLS VCT14 Adapter
3: Production Gear Triad Camera Plate

I hear the Protech plate is flimsy and isn't desperately secure, but to me, it looks the more versatile of the bunch.

The TLS plate, is apparently, better built, but only has a "screw & pin" setup, which is useless if you're wanting to use it on the bottom of your Zacuto baseplate (for instance), as you would need both a 3/8" and 1/4" screw to properly secure the plate in place in order to truly prevent it from moving around.

I know nothing about the Production Gear "Triad" plate, but it looks similar to the TLS.

Does anyone know of any other "adapter" plates and / or would like to share your experiences with the plates you've tried or own?

DD.
Click to expand...

I bought the TLS VCT14-Adapter from Mitcorp and a Sony VCTU14 Tripod Plate off eBay for $99 and it works very well. I chose this over the protech Press shooter S1 because it doesn't wobble. It's solid.
 
Last edited:
ddh said:
I bought the TLS VCT14-Adapter from Mitcorp and a Sony VCTU14 Tripod Plate off eBay for $99 and it works very well. I chose this over the protech Press shooter S1 because it doesn't wobble. It's solid.
Click to expand...

Are you connecting the TLS plate straight to a camera, or something else... ?

DD.
 
OK, received the VCT-14 sooner than expected - Arrived this morning.

Just a thought, but is the Protech "Press Shooter" actually the unsteady part? Or is it just unsteady on those using it with the cheaper VCT-14U? Because that has many plastic components. Maybe it would be more steady with the VCT-14?

DD.
 
sorry missed the question ...

sorry missed the question ...

Dave Draper said:
Are you connecting the TLS plate straight to a camera, or something else... ?

DD.
Click to expand...

It's going direct to the bottom of the camera. Stick some thin, cheap rubber stoppers (gotten from a computer store) onto the bottom of the camera. That stops any side pressure from getting to the screw.
 
ddh said:
It's going direct to the bottom of the camera.
Click to expand...

I'd be using the adapter plate on the bottom of my *Zacuto* baseplate, you see... And that would require both a 1/4" AND 3/8" screw to truly lock everything down without a wobble.

Currently, my only options seem to be either using the Protech "Press Shooter" with two 1/4" screws and a 3/8"-to-1/4" screw thread adapter, or drilling a 3/8" sized hole in the TLS plate and *hope* that I don't screw up... :)

DD.
 
OK, I've gone and purchased the TLS plate - Expecting it within about a week.

I'll see if it's possible to drill a 3/8" hole in place of the locating pin without wrecking the plate, then will let you guys know what I end up deciding upon.

DD.
 
Last edited:
I have an idea...

Is there any way of turning a locator pin into a 3/8" screw? Similarly to the adapter that turns a 3/8" thread into a 1/4" thread.

Or hell, how about replacing the locator pin with a screw of the same diameter, then using a 3/8" screw adapter (if one exists) on top of that?

DD.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top